Handbook

Definition of Competitive Swimming

What is competitive swimming? It is an internationally recognized water sport; it is a trained precision of dive, stroke and turn. It is speed and endurance achieved in the water only through coaching and personal determination.

Swimmers in a competitive swim club focus on competition.  The emphasis is on the paring of seconds or fraction of seconds from the swimmer's competitive performances.  to compete effectively a swimmer must:

1. Know how to swim
2. Gain the endurance and speed to compete effectively
3. Have the stimulus of swimming with swimmers as good, or better than him/herself
4. Have or acquire the mental attitude necessary in competition to make the most of the swimmer's natural abilities.

Objectives of the Dolphin Swim Club

To provide swimmers with an opportunity to:

1. Improve and develop their swimming skills
2. Take part in competitive swim meets with swimmers of equivalent age and ability
3. Develop a sense of discipline towards improving the body and mind through swimming.

Benefits of Competitive Swimming

Swimming offers an exciting and valuable experience in a young person's life.  Every participant can gain from his/her own experiences, whether or not he/she wins a single race. Recognize the following as positive factors:

• Opportunities for social and emotional development
• A physical and recreational outlet which improves and develops swimming skills
• The opportunity to learn sportsmanship and make swimmers aware of team cooperation and pride
• Opportunities to learn good health habits
• Training and competition for all swimmer consistent with ability, desire and performance levels
• An opportunity to gain self esteem and worth by making a commitment to a sport
• Learning a sport that is a lifetime tool, which may also serve as a basis for other sports
• Learning and developing many life long skills such as time management and communication skills

Club Structure

The Dolphin Swim Club is a member of the Canadian Amateur Swimming Association (CASA) and Swim Manitoba.  Annual meetings are held by Selkirk Dolphin parent representatives. A portion of the fees are directed to the central organizations.

The Selkirk Dolphin Swim Club consists of:

1. Executive
2. Coaching Staff
3. Swimmers
4. Parents

The Dolphin Swim Club is a nonprofit corporation administered by a board of directors elected each year by the membership. the Board includes and executive consisting of the President, Past President, Vice president, Treasurer, Security, and Board of Directors who are responsible for various committees required for the smooth functioning of the Club. (Fundraising, Marketing, Registration, Volunteers, Program and Officials just to name a few)

The club operates according to the Constitution that is available at meeting and upon request.  Any individual may apply to the Dolphins for membership and the Board will consider all application and is empowered by the Constitution to confirm or deny membership in the club.

Registration Fees and Terminating your Membership

Please contact the Treasurer or the President for further information.

Club Finances

All monies due and payable to the Dolphins Swim Club will be made by Cheque (postdated where requested). This is to alleviate the problems associated with dealing in cash.  Should you cheque be returned to the club by your bank for any reason you will be contacted.  You are expected to correct the matter immediately and will be responsible for paying all banking fees and a $25.00 administration fee. thereafter, all fees and commitments must be paid by cash, money order or certified cheque.

At registration, all swimmers pay the "CASA" registration fee.  Failure to meet financial obligations the board may take one or more of the following actions against any family that fails to meet its financial obligation to the club:

• Loss of membership
• Suspension of Training
• Loss of Meet Entry Privileges
• Other Action Approved by the Board

The Board of Directors meets each month to review the club's operation, including finances.

Discipline

Parents are responsible for the actions of the swimmer, including additional costs incurred.

Disciplinary measures may be administered as required.  The Executive and the parents will be informed of discipline.